How to prepare a design for printing

Proper preparation of the file for printing is essential for a high-quality end result. Whether you are designing t-shirts with print, posters, business cards or promotional clothing, make sure you take care of the correct design parameters first. Format, color mode and resolution are of great importance for the final appearance of the print. In our guide, you will find key information to help you prepare your file according to the requirements of the print shop.

Preparing a file for printing – general rules

What does it mean in practice that a file must be properly prepared for printing? The most important aspects are the correct file format, color mode and resolution. Printers usually require files in PDF, AI, EPS or CDR format, as they ensure high quality and correct color and detail reproduction. For business cards and flyers, it is also recommended to add bleeds (usually 2-4 mm) and convert texts to curves to avoid problems with fonts.

What is the difference between vector and raster graphics?

Vector and raster graphics are two basic types of image files that differ in the way they are constructed. A vector graphic consists of mathematical curves, so it can be scaled without loss of quality. A raster graphic, on the other hand, consists of pixels and can lose sharpness when enlarged.

Sometimes it is necessary to convert a raster file into vector graphics, i.e. vectorization. This is the process of converting a bitmap into vectors, which are more versatile in print production. Popular vectorization programs include Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Adobe FreeHand, and Adobe Flash.

However, vectorization can distort the original appearance of the graphic, especially if the bitmap has complex shapes or low resolution. The best results are achieved with high-quality input files – the higher the resolution of the original bitmap, the easier it is to vectorize it. If the file is too small, the graphic designer often has to recreate the design from scratch. The reverse process to vectorization is rasterization, i.e. converting a vector file into a bitmap. This is a simple process and usually comes down to saving the file in the appropriate raster format.

How to prepare a design for printing - 87302 — An example of a bitmap file with insufficient resolution
to be printed directly without any corrections.

How to prepare a design for printing - 87305 — This is what a print prepared from a bitmap file with insufficient resolution would look like (not good).

Bitmap vs. vector file – when to use each?

Are you wondering when to choose a bitmap and when to choose a raster file? Here are some tips:

Vector graphics – ideal for logos, icons, illustrations and texts. It does not lose quality when scaled. Recommended for screen printing,pad printing, embroidery, laser engraving or embossing. The most common file formats are CDR, AI, EPS, etc.
Bitmap (raster) – used for photos and images with a lot of detail and shading, but has a limited resolution. High-resolution raster files are accepted for digital printing on T-shirts (e.g. DTF format). For example, JPG, PNG, .

The safest solution is to prepare designs as vector graphics, especially if you are planning large-format printing. The best file format for this is PDF, CDR or AI. For bitmaps, it is assumed that the final format should have a high minimum resolution – 300 dpi. In the case of promotional items, formats adapted to specific printing techniques are mainly used (e.g. CDR files in CorelDRAW).

CMYK vs. RGB – which color mode to choose for digital printing?

When to use CMYK and when to use RGB?

CMYK – better color reproduction, therefore the standard in printing.
RGB – used on computer screens, therefore not always giving correct color reproduction in print.
Pantone Solid Coated palette – for prints on gadgets and textiles (e.g. screen printing, pad printing), Pantone may be required, which ensures greater color precision.

Before sending the file to the printing house, make sure that the colors have been converted to CMYK, thus avoiding differences in shades:

How to prepare a design for printing - 88379 — 1. Input bitmap file with insufficient resolution

How to prepare a design for printing - 86981 — 2. Vectorization, i.e. creating curves in a vector program. Possible manual corrections.

How to prepare a design for printing - 86978 — 3. Ready vectors, i.e. curves.

How to prepare a design for printing - 88382 — 4. Finished project after vectorization. It can be enlarged to any size without losing quality.

The file format alone is not everything. What matters is the way the information is stored in the file. For example, you can save a bitmap in Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, but that does not make it a vector design. Only converting the graphics into so-called curves will turn the design into a full-fledged vector file.

How to prepare a design for printing - 87299 — A printout of any size without “pixelation” can be made from the vector design.

The best file formats for printing – what should you choose to maintain good resolution?

Do you have a graphic design and are wondering what format the file should be sent in? Here are some tips:

PDF – the most commonly used format, which preserves vectors and layers.
PNG – graphics saved on a transparent background, in high resolution, will be ideal for DTF digital printing.
JPG – can be used, but should be of the highest quality and 300 dpi resolution.
CDR/EPS/AI – formats for vector graphics, ideal for logos and illustrations.

Make sure to avoid excessive compression, which can reduce image quality, especially in raster files. JPG files use lossy compression, so they should be saved in the highest available quality. PNG files without a background are best for DTF digital printing. For screen printing, embroidery or printing and engraving on gadgets, files should be prepared in vector format.

How to properly prepare a vector file for printing?

Step 1. Create a logo or graphic in vector format.

Step 2. Convert fonts to curves to avoid text display errors.

Step 3. Make sure that all lines and objects are closed and connected. Combine all elements of the same color into one object so that when the file is opened by the print shop, each color is grouped in a separate layer.

Step 4. Save as PDF, CDR, AI or EPS, depending on the requirements of the print shop.

The most common mistakes in print files – how to avoid them?

Even small mistakes can affect the final result, so it is a good idea to check the file before sending it to the print shop. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid to ensure high-quality printing:

Incorrect color mode – RGB color mode instead of CMYK or Pantone Solid Coated.
Too low resolution – raster image below 300 dpi, which will cause blurring.
Lack of bleeds (for flyers and business cards) – graphics may be cut incorrectly.

Unconverted fonts – if fonts are not saved as curves, they may change appearance or disappear.

Preparing a design for printing – summary

If you follow the rules in our guide, you will avoid problems with print quality and achieve excellent visual results! If you want to be sure that your project has been prepared in accordance with all standards, use the services of Printexpress.pl. We offer professional printing using various methods and support in the preparation of files, so you are guaranteed the highest quality of implementation. If you have any questions or need help preparing your project, get in touch with us! We will gladly advise you and help you adjust your file to the printing requirements.